The mark of the beast has been a popular topic in recent years with rumours of microchip implantation flying around. There has been a lot of information about the mark that does not actually align with what the Bible says.
What is the mark of the beast?
According to Revelation 13, the mark of the beast is a mark (the name of the beast or the number representing his name) to be given on the right hand or forehead of everyone. No sales or purchases can be made without the mark.
Who is the beast?
Revelation 13 actually talks about two beasts. The first beast rose out of the sea with the intention to speak great blasphemies against God and he was worshiped by people whose names were not written in the book of life (Revelation 13:8). He also persecuted God’s people.
Then a second beast came up out of the earth. He exercised the authority of the first beast and required everyone to worship the first beast. It seems like he is a general of the first beast. He performed many miracles and deceived those who belonged to this world – that is, those whose names are not written in the book of life ( Revelation 13:14). It was the second beast who made it mandatory for everyone to receive the mark of the first beast.
Are microchip implantation the mark of the beast?
According to scripture, absolutely not. The beast actually has to appear first and perform all the miracles Revelation 13 tells us. Those that don’t belong to God will marvel at the beast’s authority and worship him. The beast will speak terrible blasphemies against God and persecute Christians. The second beast who makes the mark of the beast mandatory must also appear.
- Revelation 13 gives us a physical description of both beasts and neither of the beasts have made an appearance. Scripture tells us the first beast will come with a fatal wound on one of his heads which will heal and make the people of the ‘world’ marvel and bow before him. That means the beasts will be seen with our physical eyes and this is yet to happen.
- The second beast will make a statue of the first beast which will talk. There are no talking statues around.
- Everyone will be given an option; receive the mark of the beast and worship the beast or die (Revelation 13:15). This option will be given to everyone alive and as of today, no such ultimatum has been given. This also means that people will know it’s the mark of the beast. It will not be a secret or deceit, people will know and have the choice. Stay loyal to God and face persecution or bow before the beast and take his mark.
